04/30/2025
One of the muscles that I often find to be related to headaches in my clients is the levator scapulae.
It originates from the first 4 vertebrae and inserts on the inside corner of the scapula.
The action of this muscle is to elevate the scapula and tilt the head. You use this muscle every day, all day long. This muscle also carries a lot of stress alongside the upper traps.
I’ve discovered ways over time to really work with this muscle and have seen great results in my regulars, and even people who just come for a quick headache relief.
I usually work first on relaxation to get client comfortable and their muscles relaxed. This includes heat such as hot stones and steamed towels.
I also thoroughly work through the rotator cuff muscles, the erectors (the postural muscles on either side of the spine), rhomboids, serratus anterior and etc with compression, heat, soothing Swedish and sometimes stretches.
After this, I turn the client side lying and begin my slow targeting of the levator scapulae. This involves cupping of the upper shoulder and pinning the muscle and involving a stretch and having the client activate the muscle by shrugging and tilting their heads. Lastly, I end with orthopedic neck work with the person lying on their back , where I can address the origin in the top of the neck and create space in this area where muscles really jumble up. Over the past few weeks I’ve really been developing my technique of this targeting of this specific muscle and have seen amazing results. Not just in session, but also reports of better quality of life between sessions.
I won’t say it’s the case for every client, but I will say, this muscle is very OFTEN a source of pain that people will identify as the beginning source of pain of their headaches and tension.
If this sounds like you, I’d love to work with you and see if we can work towards better quality of your life together.
My books are open Monday-Thursday 9-2 at Relax Lab in Tyler TX and I have ability to arrange mobile appointments on Fridays and Saturdays when they are scheduled further out.
Much love,
Chelsea Hutchinson, LMT
Book online here for my books at Relax Lab http://myrelaxlab.as.me/Chelsea or press the call button to speak with someone!
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I hope to see you soon. 🫶